I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Theory and Practice from WPF, a highly regarded training institution here in London that combines academic study of theory alongside clinical experience. I am a registered member of the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council) and FPC (the graduate body of WPF) and I comply with their professional ethical codes.
I also have experience of working within charities and the NHS, both in psychotherapy clinics and forensic settings. I believe in the importance of continuing my professional development and regularly attend workshops and seminars to develop skills based on the practice of both classic psychoanalytic theories and more modern variations that are in current psychotherapeutic practice.
I also have experience of working within charities and the NHS, both in psychotherapy clinics and forensic settings. I believe in the importance of continuing my professional development and regularly attend workshops and seminars to develop skills based on the practice of both classic psychoanalytic theories and more modern variations that are in current psychotherapeutic practice.
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What is Therapy About?
I practice a model of psychotherapy called Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. A key part is an emphasis on the exploration of earlier parts of your life, key carers and their role and significance to you. Together with our unconscious motives, exploration of these past influences can help you see the impact on your present life. Thinking together about the events in your life can help you recognise the patterns that have evolved and the reasons they can cause your problems.
Together we can explore the issues that might inform us, help us make links within your life and thus help you to view things differently. It is the very particular relationship offered in psychotherapy that provides the real opportunity for a shift within you. This can lead to greater self-awareness and offers you the chance to make the changes you seek.
A key part of therapy is the development of a strong alliance between us so that you can fully make use of the therapeutic process. Therapy isn't always easy and does entail talking about painful events and expressing difficult emotions. I respect that you be talking about things that are deeply personal; indeed it may be the first time you have told anyone some of these details. Our aim will be to help you understand yourself differently and to relieve the symptoms that inhibit and trouble you.
What to Expect...
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long, usually once or twice a week and at the same time every week which we will fix at a mutually convenient time. I offer both short term (time-limited) work and open ended therapy depending on your needs. All of this can be discussed when we meet for an initial consultation.
Our first meeting will be an initial consultation where you can tell me what has brought you to this point, you can ask me questions about the process and then we can discuss what options might be suitable for you. Although I generally recommend an open-ended therapy, there are circumstances when a fixed term (such as 12 or 16 weeks) may be more suitable. In time-limited work it is usually more productive to focus on a specific area that is causing you concern.
This initial consultation does not oblige you to take anything further but should you decide to, we will then find a mutually convenient time to meet every week. Appointments are for 50 minute meetings, once or twice weekly at the same time and day every week.
Confidentiality...
I abide by the code of ethics of the professional organisations I belong to and our sessions take place in a safe, private consulting room and are all that is discussed is confidential. I belong to the UKCP, BACP and BPC.
Fees...
An initial consultation where we can discuss what therapy is about and I can learn something of what you would like to talk about is the way to start.
Fees are £80 per session but there are circumstances for which I can offer a lower fee.
I am registered with major health insurers such as BUPA, AXA PPP, Aviva, Vitality Health & Cigna. If you have insurance, it is worth enquiring whether you are eligible for a counselling with them.
What Next...?
Many people find therapy helpful but like many important things, timing is key; perhaps you have decided that now is the right time. Like others who have taken such a step, I hope you will find therapy a positive and life-changing experience.
If you think that counselling/psychotherapy might be worth a try, please feel free to contact me by phone or email; the details can be found on the CONTACT page.
